Anderson Kauan “Bolinho” replaces Tropeço at The Crown
The 2026 Worlds double bronze medalist opens against Pedro Machado and could get a rematch with Seif Houmine in the semifinals in Long Beach
Anderson Kauan “Bolinho” is the newest name in the ultra-heavyweight bracket at The Crown 2026. The black belt, developed by Márcio de Deus at Infight, replaces Helder Rodrigues “Tropeço” at the IBJJF’s invitation-only event on November 8 at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California. The IBJJF confirmed the change on Monday, October 26, and gave no reason for Tropeço’s withdrawal.
With the brackets already set, Bolinho opens in the quarterfinals against Pedro Machado. If he wins, he meets the winner of Seif Houmine vs. Thierry Felipe in the semifinals.
Who is Anderson Kauan “Bolinho”
Anderson Kauan Gomes Marinho has medaled at every major IBJJF championship, gi and no-gi. He has four Worlds medals, three Europeans medals, a Pans silver and a Brazilian Nationals title. He is sponsored by SEDA College, a VF Comunica partner.
2026 has been his best year in the gi. At the Pans in March, in Florida, he reached the ultra-heavyweight final after beating Lucas Montalvão in the quarterfinals, the same man who beat him in the 2024 No-Gi Worlds final, and submitting Luis Cantareira with a footlock in the semis. In the final, Houmine passed his guard and finished him with a north-south choke.
At the Worlds in May, also at the Pyramid, Bolinho made the podium twice, taking bronze at ultra-heavyweight and in the absolute. His absolute run ended in the semifinals against Erich Munis, who submitted him with a kata gatame and went on to win the title.
After the Worlds, he took his game to Asia. He won four gold medals at the SJJIF World Championship in Tokyo and closed the trip with double gold, in his division and the absolute, at the Marianas Open in Guam.
A Houmine rematch could come in the semifinals
The draw put Bolinho in the same half of the bracket as Seif Houmine, the reigning ultra-heavyweight world champion and the man who beat him in the Pans final. For the rematch to happen, both need to win their quarterfinals: Bolinho against Pedro Machado, and Houmine against Thierry Felipe.
Munis, a three-time Crown champion, is on the other side. Another meeting with him can only happen in the final.
Ultra-heavyweight bracket
Quarterfinals: Erich Munis vs. Francisco Papasidero; Alexander Sak vs. Matheus Vetoraci; Seif Houmine vs. Thierry Felipe; Pedro Machado vs. Anderson Kauan “Bolinho”.
Each of the six division champions takes home the crown and $20,000. The Crown streams live and exclusively on FloGrappling.
Can Bolinho leave Long Beach with the crown in his debut? Let us know in the comments.
Read more:
- Mica Galvão draws Leleo Souza in his Crown 2026 debut
- The Crown 2026: five possible matchups in Long Beach
VF Comunica’s coverage of The Crown is presented by Kingz.
Original story by VF Comunica, published at vfcomunica.com. Reproduction allowed only with credit and a link to the source.
